Podcasts about councils

David Seymour's urging councils to axe what he calls 'puppy dogs and ice cream'. The Deputy Prime Minister's adding to the coalition's call for councils to focus on basic, core services - and ditch 'nice-to-have' projects. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained why David Seymour's speech was so controversial. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of our podcast series, The AI Workplace, Sam Sedaei (associate, Chicago) is joined by Cécile Martin (partner, Paris) to discuss a landmark French court case on the a company's pilot implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools on select employees. The Nanterre Court of Justice ruled that deploying AI tool applications in an experimental or pilot phase required prior consultation with the works council due to significant employee interaction with the project. Cécile and Sam highlight the importance of assessing the scope of AI tool experimentation, including how many employees will be trained on and allowed to use AI tools, to determine whether works council consultation is required. Cécile also provides a general overview of the types of works councils in France, their powers, and the circumstances under which employers must inform and consult the councils.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Thursday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) Who DOESN'T Want to Live in 1970s Russia?/Which Good Old Days Are We Going For Here?/Too Late to Un-Mush Our BrainsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So the Local Government Conference is underway and the Government took advantage of it to talk down to councils like a stepdad telling off their stepson. They've been told to reign in wasteful spending to keep their rates increase down. It'd be good if the government that is currently spending more than any other ever practiced what they preached. But anyway, the Government is talking about bringing in rate caps. Sounds good. A simple idea we can all understand, but will it work? The fact is the idea is in place in Australia. Melbourne and Sydney have them, but individual councils can apply for exemptions. And in Melbourne it means that some councils have imposed 10% rates. But they don't have them in Brisbane, and Brisbane has the lowest rate increases in Australia. So why is that? Successive councils have kept the debt low. They've had smart long term plans with cross-party support. They have a suburbs first policy so that improvements are made where people actually live. 85% of their budget is spent on this - it's also cheaper than grand projects. And they like public transport. A record $210 million is being spent on it, which is a lot cheaper than building roads, roads, roads. Here public transport and alternative transport options are the first to be cut in hard times. And because of their resident friendly, suburban centric approach combined with fiscal prudence, they have some wriggle room. Senior citizens in Brisbane get the most generous rebates in the country, cutting their rates in half. And it means that Brisbane can pursue some big stuff like the Olympics. But there they show some balls as well, canning the re-development of the Gabba because the business case didn't measure up. Rates caps are good slogan policy. It sounds like a simple answer to a complex situation, but they didn't work in Sydney and Melbourne. In fact there they're suffering from rates catch up. If you defer projects then eventually someone is going to pay for them. Whanganui will find that out in the future. Work on the Opera House has been deferred, saving $8 million, but that work hasn't gone away and will cost more in the future. The reason we're in the hole we're in is false promises of rate cuts by previous councils that resulted in a rates catch up. Wellington's water sound familiar. We don't need rates caps, what we really need is sensible long term fiscally prudent governance. Look for that next election. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

n this illuminating episode of the Modern Mystic Soul Podcast, Therese channels a potent message from the Golden Circle Council of Sirius and the Arcturian Council of Light, recorded under the transformative energies of the Full Moon in Capricorn on July 10th.The Councils share insights on the current planetary and personal vibrational shifts, reminding us that while physical sensations and energetic fluctuations can feel intense, they are a natural part of our collective ascension journey—and not cause for alarm.Therese also guides listeners through a gentle meditation to support both personal and planetary ascension, offering tools for navigating the experience of living between timelines and dimensions. She emphasizes the power of conscious choice, self-compassion, and trust during times of profound change.If you've been feeling energy bursts, exhaustion, or a pull to rest lately—this episode offers understanding, comfort, and guidance to help you ride the waves of ascension with grace.✨ Tune in and remember: you are not alone in this shift.→ Listen to the latest episode on the Modern Mystic Soul Podcast

The Government wants to ensure local councils get back to the basics. A bill moving through Parliament would require councils to financially refocus their core services. The Government wants councils to give more value to ratepayers. Local Government Minister Simon Watts told Heather du Plessis-Allan anything could be defined as "wellbeing". He says because of lack of clarity on council responsibilities, any activity is in scope, which is bad news for ratepayers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government wants to scrap local councils' four well-being provisions. A amendment bill has been introduced to remove the social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing provisions from the Local Government Act, to refocus councils on their core services. The Government wants councils to give more value to ratepayers. Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell told Andrew Dickens she's looking forward to the removal of the four wellbeing clauses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin wishes to re-establish town councils in Ireland by 2029, citing a “...sense of representation at all levels.”So, should town councils be re-established?Independent Councilor in New Ross, Michael Sheehan and Tom Phillips, Managing Director of Tom Phillips and Associates and Adjunct Associate Professor of Town Planning at UCD join Kieran to discuss.

Have you ever felt lost trying to understand the Book of Revelation? Or wondered how God guides us, step by step, even when we feel like "little children"? This video reveals profound answers from Doctrine & Covenants 77-80! Summary: This comprehensive lesson unpacks the rich teachings of Doctrine & Covenants 77-80, offering insights into God's methods of revelation, personal development, and church organization. We begin by tackling the symbolic language of the Book of Revelation (D&C 77), exploring the meaning behind the "sea of glass," "four beasts," and the significance of "eyes" (knowledge) and "wings" (agency). Discover the purpose of the seven seals and the identity of the angels, including Elias, who gathers Israel and places the "seal of the living God" upon the foreheads of the faithful. Next, we delve into the practicalities of building Zion (D&C 78) through the establishment of the United Firm (later the United Order). Learn how this organization regulates the "storehouse for the poor," fosters "equality in the bonds of heavenly things," and prepares God's people to "stand independent" amidst tribulation. This section emphasizes the crucial role of commandments, councils, and unbreakable covenants in achieving unity and protecting against spiritual blindness. We then focus on personal growth (D&C 78), understanding that while we may often feel like "little children," God patiently leads us along, knowing we "cannot bear all things now". This highlights the importance of receiving all things with thankfulness and becoming "faithful and wise stewards". Finally, we explore the sacred nature of mission calls (D&C 79-80). Whether serving abroad or at home, we are assured that "it mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss" as we declare the things we have heard, believe, and know to be true. This process of gaining testimony, coupled with the companionship of the Holy Ghost, empowers us to fulfill our divine assignments. Call-to-Action: What insights from these revelations resonated most with you? How have you experienced God patiently leading you along? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below! If this video brought you greater understanding or hope, please like, share, and subscribe to "Unshaken" for more illuminating scriptural discussions. Tags D&C 77, D&C 78, D&C 79, D&C 80, Doctrine and Covenants, Book of Revelation, Revelation explained, Last days, Elias, Gathering of Israel, 144,000, United Order, Storehouse, Spiritual growth, Divine guidance, Mission call, Missionary work, Spiritual power, Holy Ghost, Comforter, Faithfulness, Testimony, Zion, Church organization, Commandments, Councils, Covenants, Unshaken, Celestial law, End times prophecy. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 3:05 Eyes & Wings 20:57 Sealed for the Seventh Seal 37:45 The Lord's Storehouse 49:36 Commandments, Councils, & Covenants 1:00:32 Just Little Kids 1:08:43 Your Mission Call 1:17:38 Mission Calls and Companions 1:31:04 One-Liners

Are Our Cities Broken? | Eamon Waterford on Housing, Councils & the Future of Sydney Jason de Sousa sits down with urban policy leader Eamon Waterford to unpack Australia's housing crisis. Are planning rules, councils, and bureaucracy stalling progress? Why aren't we building enough – and are new policies like TOD and LMR actually working? We cover: -Why apartment and BTR projects aren't stacking up -Whether councils are the problem or part of the fix -The future of CBDs with work-from-home -Office-to-residential conversions -Is it supply, migration, or something deeper? Plus, Eamon shares 3 big ideas to make Sydney thrive. #HousingCrisis #JasonDeSousaShow #EamonWaterford #Cities #UrbanPolicy #WorkFromHome #SydneyPlanning #NSWHousing

I find it ironic that the government and the electorate are once a gain keen on getting rid of some of the layers of our council bureaucracy. First NZ First's Shane Jones publicly questioned the role of regional councils, pondering whether “there's going to be a compelling case for regional government to continue to exist”. Then Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that the Government was looking at local government reform. On Friday Matthew Hooten wrote a piece about Regional Councils reiterating Chris Bishop's question that he's been asking many local councillors. Is there any point in having regional councils. So it's on the table. Of course the battle against bureaucracy is alive and well around the world. Duplication of services and excessive layers of governance means that savings could be made easily and safely and it's something we've always discussed. Last term the government reformed District Health Board from 20 boards into a single entity Health New Zealand or just that reason but the new government has taken against that and they've announced a return to locally delivered healthcare because they believe that in regional decision making is the best way to go. We're still waiting to see what that will look like. Meanwhile reform of regional councils looks awfully like the formation of Auckland's Super City. A reform that has a heap of enemies because of it's devolution of power away from communities. As Hooten says the reason we hate the Super City are the Council Controlled Organisations a move that was supposed to replicate State Owned Enterprises. But the problem there is that we can't but shares in CCOs so they become the worst of things. A mongrel hybrid of Council bureaucracies and Private Monopolies. So we seem to like amalgamating public bodies but then when it happens we moan that our voices are no longer heard and that bureaucracies have become too huge and out of control. So, what is it people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alexa Forbes from Otago Regional Council joins Ben to talk about Regional Councils and Shane Jones.

This week Magnus Persson will examine his journey from popular preacher where church was a party, to the Lutheran faith and pastor in the Church of Sweden where he relishes the liturgy nourished by its historic roots. Persson relies heavily on Luther's book On the Councils and the Church to answer this question and explain his journey. Magnus is a husband, father, and grandfather. He is an ordained Verbi Divini Minister and works as a pastor for EFS – a missional renewal movement in the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church. He is also the network co-ordinator of Re:formera and the host for its weekly podcast. Magnus published his book Reclaiming the Reformation: Christ for you in Community in 2021 with 1517 Publishing. 

Dr. Amy Radunz. a stocker cattle producer from Pierce County and Beef Cattle Technical Specialist for Purina. With decades of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the beef industry, Radunz has made a lasting impact both in and beyond Wisconsin. Her influence spans from state-level leadership to national representation. Radunz currently serves as President of the Wisconsin Beef Council andas Vice President for NCBA’s Region III Federation of State Beef Councils. Although no longerserving on the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association Board or Committees, she continues tosupport the organization and now represents WCA on the Wisconsin Department ofAgriculture’s Export Advisory Council. As a representative on the Federation of State Beef Councils, Radunz explains the function of the group and how it's monitoring progress on checkoff dollars invested. Radunz was also recently presented with the Cattlemen of the Year award by the Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should town councils be revived? The Taoiseach is one of those who certainly thinks so. Micheál Martin has said he wants to re-establish town councils across the country within three years. 80 town councils were abolished across the country, as part of austerity-era cuts. The Cork man believes there would have been a more immediate community response to floods in Midleton, had the local council been in place. To discuss the merits of re-establishing town councils, Alan Morrissey was joined by Patricia McCarthy, former Shannon town council chair,Deirdre Culligan, Former Independent Kilrush town councillor and Michael Guilfoyle, Former Ennis Fianna Fáil Town councillor.

Where the PoSH Act ends, only the penal code is left standing. But criminal prosecution is a blunt, punishing tool, replete with all the obstacles the PoSH inquiry was designed to soften.  

Not In My Back Yard. For decades, that has been a battle cry for suburbanites and homeowners unimpressed by changes happening in their neighbourhood. But, how often are those complaints valid, or are they just people unhappy with change? With both a 16.5 metre tall Buddha statue in Waiwera Valley, and a helipad in Westmere getting people talking, today on The Front Page we’re looking into the resource management process and why some things get approved, and others don’t. Later, we’ll talk with Associate Professor Caroline Miller from Massey University’s Resource and Environmental Planning Programme. But first, for details on that giant Buddha statue, we’re talking to NZ Herald senior reporter David Fisher. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homeless and emergency accommodation has cost the state over 360 million euro last year. One way to cut down on this spending is the suggestion that Councils purposely build or buy designated accommodation for the homeless. Our reporter, Josh Crosbie has been looking into the costs involved. He has also been meeting with those who have experienced these private homeless hostels.

Happy Monday lovelies! This week's ep was really just a talkative one. We discuss it all from beefing Councils with AI, what we'd do if we became rich and Cynthia Erivo & the Thong Song by Sisqo! Feel free to DM or tweet us your thoughts xxxxx Use VICJASCB for 10% off at ⁠https://www.currentbody.com/⁠ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can send dilemmas by using this link: ⁠https://bit.ly/3FzyTGG⁠ (If you'd like to listen to our episodes ad-free, please join our Patreon :) ) If you are thinking about getting therapy but not sure where to start, check out our sponsor ⁠www.betterhelp.com/BGL⁠ HOSTS:⠀ Jas: ⁠twitter.com/jas_bw⁠ + ⁠www.instagram.com/jas_bw/⁠ Vic: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@vicsanusi⁠ + ⁠www.instagram.com/vicsanusi/⁠ BGL socials: ⁠www.instagram.com/blackgalslivin/⁠ + ⁠twitter.com/blackgalslivin/⁠ Tik Tok: @blackgalslivin Chat to us using the hashtag #blackgalslivin⠀ Artwork by @thecamru Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week the Housing Minister James Browne has decided to release new league tables which name and shame under-delivering local authorities when it comes to social housing

Auckland University's Dr Timothy Welch has applied his urban design skills to help local councils better understand what they need to do to keep their towns and cities cooler in a warming world.Dr Welch recently wrote about this on The Conversation in the story: "NZ cities are getting hotter: 5 things councils can do now to keep us cooler when summer comes".His story begins: "Stand on any car park on a sunny day in February and the heat will radiate through your shoes. At 30°C air temperature, that asphalt hits 50–55°C – hot enough to cause second-degree burns to skin in seconds."

Send us a textThis week we're diving into the new CAPS Advisory Councils…one for parents and one for providers. These groups are here to share insights and feedback on the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program to help make it better and easier to access. Joining us is Elisabetta Kasfir, Deputy Commissioner for Federal Programs, Amy Roys, CAPS Director for Development and Partnerships, and Melinda Knowles, CAPS Manager for Development and Partnerships. Support the show

A regional council boss wants any changes to their make-up to be underpinned by good, solid governance. Bay of Plenty Regional Council chair Doug Leeder spoke to Alexa Cook.

Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Christchurch school kids are advocating to change the name of Rolleston Ave because of William Rolleston's involvement in leading the deadly invasion of Parihaka in Taranaki. Is there a case for a name change or should we refrain from erasing history? GPs will soon be able to diagnose ADHD - do we approve of this change or are we worried about people abusing this? Should the Government bring in rate caps for councils? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NYC Parent Blog, The NYC Mayoral debate and what the candidates said on class size, https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-nyc-mayoral-debate-regarding-class.htmlNY1, Mayoral winner likely won't be clear until July 1, https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2025/06/19/nyc-mayoral-primary-winner-likely-won-t-be-clear-until-july-1-thanks-to-ranked-choice-votingNYC Comptroller, Complaints Received Concerning the 2023 Elections of Community and Citywide Education Councils, https://comptroller.nyc.gov/reports/complaints-received-concerning-the-2023-elections-of-community-and-citywide-education-councils/NY Times, A Culture-War Battle Convulses a School Panel in Liberal Manhattan, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/02/nyregion/maud-maron-transgender-nyc-school-council.htmlGay City News, Community Education Council accused of obstructing votes on trans resolutions, https://gaycitynews.com/community-education-council-vote-trans-resolutions/Chalkbeat, Backlash over culture wars brings new energy to NYC's parent council elections, https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025/05/09/backlash-culture-wars-brings-energy-parent-council-elections/Gothamist, Elections to NYC parents council see persistently low turnout after culture war controversies, https://gothamist.com/news/elections-to-nyc-parents-council-see-persistently-low-turnout-after-culture-war-controversiesChalkbeat, Low turnout, a shakeup in District 2, and more: what to know about NYC parent council elections, https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025/06/16/community-education-council-election-results-place-aqe/

In our end of season round table episode my three guests each discuss a topic of interest.The topics under discussion are:How the approach to rural EV infrastructure is changingThe second hand market (how experiences may differ and ways to attract and better support new drivers that come in through this channel)Will increased range, new charging solutions, and familiarity with EVs lead to lower demand for en-route charging? If so how will this affect CPOs?And I will be asking the question: Charger booking. Do we need this?Guests:Gemma Robinson: Gemma Robinson is the EV Infrastructure Project Manager at the Highlands and Islands Regional Transport Partnership (HITRANS). She loves working with five partner Councils and Shetland on their charging network strategy and delivery across the region, particularly as the Scottish charging network is changing so dramatically. Her drive comes from providing a just/fair opportunity for everyone to safeguard the planet, with rural and accessible charging a particular passion. Current project details: https://hitrans.org.uk/projects/ev-infrastructure-shared-service/Ed Walsh: Ed is Head of Product at Zapmap. His focus is ensuring Zapmap's app meets the needs of EV drivers and creates a sustainable business that continues to accelerate the shift to low carbon mobility. He also leads partnerships, exploring ways that Zapmap's capabilities can combine with those of others, such as Hive, to deliver value to an even wider EV audienceBen MacDonald: Ben has worked in various sustainability focussed roles throughout his career. He found himself somewhat disheartened attending a business and sustainability conference (read greenwashing conference) in Prague and so he decided that his efforts were best spent teaching Geography (sustainability) and Maths in schools in SE London. During this time he also worked with local communities on air quality issues. In 2016 he didn't buy a second hand Nissan Leaf because he couldn't charge from home. This began his entrepreneurial journey which led to him founding Nodum which is addressing the fundamental inequalities associated with the charging gap.https://www.nodum.co.ukThis season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.Links in the show notes:Bristol gets an electric bus fleet - Cool thing.A totally recyclable bag - Cool thingEpisode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk(C) 2019-2025 Gary Comerford Support me: Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusingsKo-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings The Books:'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon :

So having looked at every council in the country and the pending rate rises we are all going to have to pay, a couple of inescapable conclusions are to be drawn. 1) We need central Government to cap rates. 2) We need fewer councils. If you were to roughly use inflation as a guide, Waitomo and Whanganui are your only councils to get under the wire at 2.93 % and 2.2% – so congratulations to them. I'm sure every council could, and would, mount an argument as to why whatever it is they have come up with, whether it be the 12.9% in Taranaki or the 15.5% in Hamilton, is in some way, shape, or form, justifiable. A lot of it will be historic. In other words, if previous councils had done their job and been fiscally prudent the work being undertaken today would not be the current burden it is. But a lot of it if you were DOGE-like, or brutal, would not in fact be needed at all. Councils have become fiefdoms. They have entered areas they have no business in, but like so much in life, once you have ventured there is no turning back. Apart from the specific, like the 9.76% for Otorohanga or the 12.4% for Central Otago, you also have the more general impact. In other words, you are adding cost to the economy, and you are charging fixed-income folk who don't have the money. What you are doing is inflationary. None of us have the ability to simply add more charges. We don't simply get the pay rise we want, or up our hourly rate to the poor sap we are servicing. Life isn't like that. We cut our cloth. Could we buy more? Could we do more? Could we spend more? Of course we could, but we can't. Unless you're a council. Even if a council could say "look at what all that money got you, look at the gold plating and the shiny baubles and the tens of thousands who have flocked to our region because of our expenditure", but they can't say that because none of that has happened. 15% doesn't buy you utopia. It merely sets you up for another 15% next year because councils know a sucker when they see one. So, cap those rates and can those councils. It might well be the most popular thing this central Government does in three years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Tuesday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) Or Returns. Or Something/That About Wraps it Up for Councils/Who Doesn't Love a Bilateral?/Petrol Is Made From Oil... Eventually/Please Don't Take My TemuSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Question: I challenge you to prove the Trinity without the help of Catholic Church councils like Nicea in 325 and others after. Also don't even give me the opinions from the early Church Catholic Fathers either. Also, don't even give me any theological eisegesis interpretation on who is God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.Response: You sound like you're not acquainted with our position on the Godhead. The Berean Call has never referenced "Church" Councils in establishing that the Scriptures are the final authority as to whether or not the Trinity exists.The key to understanding the Godhead is knowing His Word. To study the Trinity to the point of full understanding requires extremely finite individuals grappling with an infinite God. Further, we have to understand what is said in Scripture. Titus 3:4 speaks of "God our Saviour" and Titus 1:3 speaks of "God our Saviour," while the next verse speaks of "Jesus Christ our Saviour" (1:4). Isaiah 43:11 tells us, "I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour." Yet in Acts 4:12 (speaking of Jesus), we are told, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."The declarations made are often explained by the idea that the one God takes on a different "mode" or existence. Yet Jesus, the Son, left the disciples at times to go and have conversations with the Father. As limited humanity, we cannot conceive of a simultaneous unity and diversity. Our closest "understanding" (and that a stretch) is what some call schizophrenia; but we are not deities. Yet even the prophecies concerning the Lord Jesus contain elements foreign to anyone less than God: "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" (Mic 5:2). Jesus is a distinct individual who regularly talks to His Father. "For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak" (Jn 12:49). He was also in submission to the Father.That's just a few of the challenges to those who deny the Trinity (Godhead). We would encourage you to read what we have already written; there is quite a bit more (see—https://bit.ly/4csqWT3).Why do we need to repent and believe in Christ if the penalty has been paid in full for everyone? The good news of the gospel is that salvation is offered to all.

The government has given itself new powers to override councils, if they their decisions will negatively impact economic growth, development or employment. Housing and RMA reform minister Chris Bishop has said the new regulation would stop councils stalling on housing developments. But the opposition said Bishop is annointing himself the chief council despot and it's a massive over-reach. While councils said they shouldn't be blamed for a lack of housing growth. Political reporter Giles Dexter reports.

I think this was the move of the week. Housing Minister Chris Bishop dropped the bombshell on local body operators that the Government has decided to give him the power to intervene around housing in local body decision making. Mind you, we could argue scrapping the calamitous Census was a good move, and indeed I'm a massive fan of reporting inflation data on a monthly basis, which sort of makes us look like a first world country. These are all good decisions. But as regards councils and housing, in the broader interests of this small country finally getting its fiscal act together, this move cannot come soon enough. The simple truth is we are over councilled. We have ludicrous numbers of local do-gooders in a vast array of fiefdoms making decisions that may, or may not, make any sense locally, far less incorporating themselves into the bigger national picture. Part of the problem is too often councils have not been up to much. Too many councils are littered with acrimony and in-fighting, progress is stalled, or watered down, or major work is ignored in favour of more headline grabbing material that makes the local representatives look good. Not all of course, but too many. From Tauranga, to Wellington, to Christchurch, to Invercargill; the infighting and dysfunction has become legendary. What you can say about central Government that you can't say about local Government is most of us took part in the democratic process and as a result this Government, rightly or wrongly, has a mandate to get on and do stuff. Mainly, stuff that got cocked up by the previous Government. If there has been a constant theme of this current Government, even from its broad-based supporters, it is that they haven't done as much as they might have. They have plans and ideas and announcements and KPIs. What they don't have is a vast array of results. They don't have tangible things that have been changed leading to us quite clearly being better off. With the Bishop announcement it would appear that message and the lack of traction is finally hitting home, and they have sat around the Cabinet table and worked out they have about a year left to put some major runs on the board so that election time is about delivery and not more promises. The country basically is too small for this many councils and committees. A lot of decisions have major national economic implications and as such, central Government has, or should have, a say. They will hate it of course. They will gnash and wail and moan about local democracy. But guess what? Big picture economic success is more important. The big picture, generally, is more important. The national story is more important. Christchurch learned this last week over their intensification scrap, which lasted years and cost them millions, that this Government is serious and on a central vs local head-to-head, only one side is coming out on top. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacqui Felgate and City of Yarra mayor Stephen Jolly have discussed the "sneaky" new levy increase which is set to impact councils.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you watching this on Spotify? If not, enjoy this in video form NOW ON SPOTIFY! THEORY SABERS - https://www.theorysabers.com/ MERCH - https://www.swtheorymerch.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosted by Charlie Zimmermann.

Councils are running out of time to decide the future model of their water services, which need tens of billions of dollars of investment over the coming decades. 

Born: 306 AD, Nisibis, Turkey Died: June 9, 373 AD, Edessa, Turkey Full name: Ephrem of Nisibis From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2007: The figure of Ephrem is still absolutely timely for the life of the various Christian Churches. We discover him in the first place as a theologian who reflects poetically, on the basis of Holy Scripture, on the mystery of man's redemption brought about by Christ, the Word of God incarnate. His is a theological reflection expressed in images and symbols taken from nature, daily life and the Bible. Ephrem gives his poetry and liturgical hymns a didactic and catechetical character: they are theological hymns yet at the same time suitable for recitation or liturgical song. On the occasion of liturgical feasts, Ephrem made use of these hymns to spread Church doctrine. Time has proven them to be an extremely effective catechetical instrument for the Christian community. Ephrem's reflection on the theme of God the Creator is important: nothing in creation is isolated and the world, next to Sacred Scripture, is a Bible of God. By using his freedom wrongly, man upsets the cosmic order. The role of women was important to Ephrem. The way he spoke of them was always inspired with sensitivity and respect: the dwelling place of Jesus in Mary's womb greatly increased women's dignity. Ephrem held that just as there is no Redemption without Jesus, there is no Incarnation without Mary. The divine and human dimensions of the mystery of our redemption can already be found in Ephrem's texts; poetically and with fundamentally scriptural images, he anticipated the theological background and in some way the very language of the great Christological definitions of the fifth-century Councils. Ephrem, honoured by Christian tradition with the title "Harp of the Holy Spirit", remained a deacon of the Church throughout his life. It was a crucial and emblematic decision: he was a deacon, a servant, in his liturgical ministry, and more radically, in his love for Christ, whose praises he sang in an unparalleled way, and also in his love for his brethren, whom he introduced with rare skill to the knowledge of divine Revelation. For more visit Vatican.va The post St. Ephrem of Syria – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Finance Councils in parishes are an advisory group of parishioners who can provide the pastor with financial advice and guidance for operating the parish. Kathy McKinless, of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, joins this episode of On Mission with Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. to share her experience in the finance field and within dioceses and parishes.Finance councils are required by Canon Law to advise the pastor on financial matters within the parish. Their responsibilities can include budgeting, strategic planning, running financial reports, and maintaining the integrity of internal operations. Kathy also provides practical advice to members of finance councils and to individuals who are interested in joining their parish's finance council. A finance council's collaboration with the parish's pastoral council is integral to smooth operation of the parish as a whole. Related On Mission episodes:Dr. Timoney on Parish Pastoral CouncilsParish Pastoral CouncilsParish Faith FormationParish Evangelization From the Ad Infinitum blog:Finding Faith in a New Parish View Collaboration in Ministry resourcesPurchase the book In Service to the Parish and the Church: A Formation Series for Parish Pastoral CouncilsCheck out the main Saints and Feast Days websiteDownload the App on the App Store or Google Play  Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify On Mission is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources and podcasts. Listen to Fr. Frank's weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

This is a teaser preview of one of our Fireside Chat episodes, made exclusively for our supporters on Patreon. You can listen to the full 104-minute episode without ads and support our work at https://www.patreon.com/posts/e105-fireside-in-127749416 In this episode, we spoke to one of our hosts, John, about his experiences organising at work in the public sector, first as an agency worker, then a permanent employee, and as a member and representative of Unison, the UK's largest public sector union. In the full episode, we go into detail about some small local disputes and victories, and how these connected with the dynamics of large, national disputes – in particular, the public sector pensions dispute of 2011. We also talk about the relationship between union officialdom and struggles on the shopfloor.While these experiences are specific to John, we do think many of the dynamics are pretty common, with similarities with many workplaces – especially office-based ones.Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryAcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands, Fernando López Ojeda and Old Norm.Edited by Jesse FrenchOur theme tune is Montaigne's version of the classic labour movement anthem, ‘Bread and Roses', performed by Montaigne and Nick Harriott, and mixed by Wave Racer. Download the song here, with all proceeds going to Medical Aid for Palestinians. More from Montaigne: website, Instagram, YouTube.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

This episode of the Prosperity Podcast explores the vital role of family councils in nurturing multi-generational wealth. Kim, an expert who penned the Perpetual Wealth book, shares practical advice on fostering financial literacy, responsibility, and prosperity among families. With engaging tips like the “quarter system” and “gigs” instead of chores, Kim provides actionable steps to inspire financial confidence and legacy planning, making this a must-listen for those keen on long-term family prosperity. Prosperity Thinkers is proud to be an affiliate of the transformative Gravy Stack movement, helping individuals around the world unlock their potential and achieve financial freedom. By providing resources, tools, and mentorship, we contribute to creating a culture of abundance, possibility, and growth. Please note, that as an affiliate, we may receive compensation for our efforts. Our collaboration, however, goes beyond financial arrangements; we truly believe in the power of the Gravy Stack movement to change lives and foster prosperity. Best-selling author Kim Butler and Spencer Shaw show you how to take more control of your finances. Tune in to The Prosperity Podcast to learn more about Prosperity Thinkers' thinking and strategies today! Do you have a question you would like answered on the show? Please send it to us at hello@prosperitythinkers.com and we may answer it in an upcoming episode.   Links and Resources from this Episode For resources and additional information of this episode go to https://prosperitythinkers.com/podcasts/ http://prosperityparents.com/  https://prosperitythinkers.com/action/  https://www.youtube.com/@KimDHButler   Show Notes Societal reluctance to discuss money. Learnings as legacy beyond wealth. The need for healthy struggle. Importance of teaching responsibility through freedom. Quarter system for financial education. Multi-generational property and perspective. Impactful family council interactions. Special Listener Gift Free eBook: Activating Your Prosperity Guide.   Kim Butler's groundbreaking eBook/ audiobook explains why typical financial advice may be sabotaging your wealth... and what to do instead!    Review and Subscribe If you like what you hear please leave a review by clicking here   Subscribe on your favorite podcast player to get the latest episodes. iTunes RSS  

In this powerful channeled transmission recorded during the New Moon in Gemini on May 26, 2025, Therese opens the field to receive guidance from the Golden Circle Council of Sirius and the Arcturian Council of Light.This session offers crystalline insight into what it truly means to transition from third to fourth density—and how your emotional and mental frequency determines your alignment with either the 3D timeline or the higher 5D one.

Positively oriented galactic associations have intervened in human affairs using very different conflict resolution approaches. On the one hand, there is a spiritually oriented, almost pacifist organization that goes by names such as ‘Confederation of Planets,' 'Galactic Confederation,' ‘Confederation of Light,' etc. On the other hand, organizations such as the 'Galactic Federation of Worlds' and the 'Ashtar Command' are more military-oriented and interventionist in dealing with negative extraterrestrial activities and influences.The Confederation of Planets takes a more long-term spiritual approach, emphasizing nonviolence, cosmic consciousness, education, and love. In short, the "Confederation" is a loosely bound, noninterventionist, almost pacifist galactic alliance. In contrast, the "Federation," has a more tightly integrated structure that includes a unified military that facilitates direct intervention in galactic conflicts.In this exopolitical commentary, Dr. Michael Salla discusses the Confederation of Planets and how it differs from the Galactic Federation of Worlds in conflict resolution. He cites extensively from his book, Galactic Federations, Councils and Secret Space Programs (2022), to provide sources and information describing these different extraterrestrial organizations, and how they intervene to improve the human situation.

The North Island and South Island are going head-to-head in a competition to see which region has the best tasting tap water. Four New Zealand district councils are vying for the coveted title, including the reigning champions, Rotorua Lakes District Council. Samantha Gee was at the grand final in Nelson.

The government's released new rules and policies telling Councils how to manage everything from housing and mining to water. Federated Farmers National Vice President Colin Hurst spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Two district councils in the Lower North Island are banding together against down graded plans for an expressway through their districts. More than a decade since it was originally proposed - a revised design for the Otaki to North of Levin expressway has seen on-ramps and overbridges removed and interchanges replaced by roundabouts. Council and community advocates from the Kapiti and Horowhenua districts say the sudden change has left locals confused and appalled. Bill Hickman has more.

Some lower North Island councils have written to the Infrastructure Minister with their concerns about cost-cutting on the Ōtaki to north of Levin highway. Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Daran Ponter spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Jasper Bernes discusses worker self-organization, labor time accounting and the revolutionary potential of workers' councils.   Shownotes Jasper's personal website: https://jasperbernes.net/ Jasper at UC Berkeley: https://english.berkeley.edu/people/jasper-bernes Commune Magazine: https://communemag.com/ Bernes, J. (2025). The Future of Revolution: Communist Prospects from the Paris Commune to the George Floyd Uprising. Verso Books. https://www.versobooks.com/products/977-the-future-of-revolution Bernes, J. (2020). Planning and Anarchy. South Atlantic Quarterly, 119(1), 53–73. https://jasperbernes.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/1190053.pdf on Worker's councils: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workers%27_council on Council communism: https://libcom.org/article/council-communism-introduction on the Paris Commune: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Commune on Rosa Luxemburg and the Mass Strike: https://www.rosalux.de/en/news/id/43964/rosa-luxemburg-and-the-political-mass-strike Nunes, R. (2021). Neither Vertical nor Horizontal: A Theory of Political Organization. Verso Books. https://www.versobooks.com/products/772-neither-vertical-nor-horizontal Find the quote “the free development of each is the condition for the free development of all” at the end of Chapter 2 of the Communist Manifesto: https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist-manifesto/ch02.htm Group of International Communists (1990) [German original 1930] Fundamental Principles of Communist Production and Distribution. https://www.marxists.org/subject/left-wing/gik/1930/index.htm second, revised edition from 1935, published in English in 2020: https://arbeitszeit.noblogs.org/files/2023/04/GIC-Fundamental-Principles-2.-Ed.1935-1.pdf on Jan Appel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Appel on Labor Time Calculation/Accounting: https://arbeitszeit.noblogs.org/en-GB/basics/ Marx's Critique of the Gotha Programme: https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1875/gotha/ on Communization: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communization Noys, B. (Ed.). (2012). Communization and its Discontents: Contestation, Critique, and Contemporary Struggles. Minor Compositions. https://files.libcom.org/files/Communization-and-its-Discontents-Contestation-Critique-and-Contemporary-Struggles.pdf on Gilles Dauvé: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilles_Dauv%C3%A9 on the law of Value in Marx: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_value on Paul Mattick: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Mattick Roth, G. (2014). Marxism in a Lost Century: A Biography of Paul Mattick. BRILL. https://files.libcom.org/files/Gary%20Roth%20-%20Marxism%20in%20a%20Lost%20Century%20-%20A%20Biography%20of%20Paul%20Mattick.pdf Mattick's introduction to the 1970 reprint of the German first edition of “Fundamental Principles of Communist Production and Distribution”: https://www.leftcommunism.org/spip.php?article359 on the Communist Party of Germany, founded in 1919: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communist_Party_of_Germany on Amadeo Bordiga: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amadeo_Bordiga Bordiga on the distinction between the city and the countryside: https://peopleandnature.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/bordiga-humansearth.pdf Raekstad, P. R., & Gradin, S. S. (2019). Prefigurative Politics: Building Tomorrow Today. Polity. https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=prefigurative-politics-building-tomorrow-today--9781509535903 the Endnotes Journal: https://endnotes.org.uk/ on the German strand of the “Commons” debate and movement: https://commons-institut.org/theorie/was-sind-commons/ https://keimform.de/ Gibson-Graham, J. K. (1993). Waiting for the Revolution, or How to Smash Capitalism while Working at Home in Your Spare Time. Rethinking Marxism, 6(2), 10–24. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08935699308658052 Purnell, D. (2021).  Becoming Abolitionists: Police, Protest, and the Pursuit of Freedom. Verso. https://www.versobooks.com/products/2894-becoming-abolitionists   Future Histories Episodes on Related Topics S3E04 | Tim Platenkamp on Republican Socialism, General Planning and Parametric Control https://futurehistories-international.com/episodes/s03/e04-tim-platenkamp-on-republican-socialism-general-planning-and-parametric-control/ S02E58 | Søren Mau on Planning and Freedom https://futurehistories-international.com/episodes/s02/e58-soren-mau-on-planning-and-freedom/ S02E19 | David Laibman on Multilevel Democratic Iterative Coordination https://futurehistories-international.com/episodes/s02/e19-david-laibman-on-multilevel-democratic-iterative-coordination/ S02E10 | Aaron Benanav on Associational Socialism and Democratic Planning https://futurehistories-international.com/episodes/s02/e10-aaron-benanav-on-associational-socialism-and-democratic-planning/ S01E58 | Jasper Bernes on Planning and Anarchy https://futurehistories-international.com/episodes/s01/e58-jasper-bernes-on-planning-and-anarchy/   --- If you are interested in democratic economic planning, these resources might be of help: Democratic planning – an information website https://www.democratic-planning.com/ Sorg, C. & Groos, J. (eds.)(2025). Rethinking Economic Planning. Competition & Change Special Issue Volume 29 Issue 1. https://journals.sagepub.com/toc/ccha/29/1 Groos, J. & Sorg, C. (2025). Creative Construction - Democratic Planning in the 21st Century and Beyond. Bristol University Press. [for a review copy, please contact: amber.lanfranchi[at]bristol.ac.uk] https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/creative-construction International Network for Democratic Economic Planning https://www.indep.network/ Democratic Planning Research Platform: https://www.planningresearch.net/ --- Future Histories Contact & Support If you like Future Histories, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/FutureHistories Contact: office@futurehistories.today Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehpodcast/ Mastodon: https://mstdn.social/@FutureHistories English webpage: https://futurehistories-international.com   Episode Keywords #JasperBernes, #JanGroos, #Interview, #FutureHistories, #FutureHistoriesInternational, #futurehistoriesinternational, #DemocraticPlanning, #DemocraticEconomicPlanning, #PoliticalEconomy, #History, #Revolution, #Revolutions, #RosaLuxemburg, #CouncilCommunism, #LaborTimeAccounting, #LaborTimeCalculation, #Capitalism, #Economics, #CouncilCommunism, #WorkersCouncils, #WorkerSelfOrganisation, #PoliceAbolition, #Communisation, #ParisCommune, #GroupOfInternationalCommunists

Zach joins Russ and Tim again for another segment on this new podcast section of spirituality. This time it all centers around the “canon” of Scripture, the “missing” books of the Bible, the difference between Protestant texts and Catholic/Eastern Orthodox texts, how can we trust the Bible, what about all the Councils of Nicaea, Carthage, and Hippo, and more. Dive in below and SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS AND TOPICS THAT YOU WOULD LOVE FOR US TO DISCUSS!Subscribe to get the latest videos and live worship:https://www.youtube.com/xchurch Connect with X Church Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/theXchurch.ohInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/theX_church/ Helping people get on the path to God.  This is the vision of X Church, led by Pastor Tim Moore and based in South East Columbus, OH _ Stay Connected Website: www.thex.church#theXchurch

Scott welcomed Ruth Raftery in the studio for a discussion about the importance of education in estate and tax planning, the role of financial advisors in collaborating with estate planning attorneys, and shares insights on effective tax planning strategies.Ruth Raftery, JD, CPA, AEP® is a licensed attorney and a Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience. As President and co-founder of Advanced Planning Educational Group (APEG), Ruth is responsible for creating and executing the design and strategic direction of APEG's mission to support the needs of professionals who participate in the holistic planning process. In addition to her role with APEG, Ruth also serves as a Senior Advisor to AltaView Advisors, LLC a business valuation firm with offices in Orange County, San Francisco, Dallas, and New York, and is an instructor at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, where she teaches Income Tax in the post-graduate certification program.Ruth has developed and taught various Estate, Gift, Trust, and Tax courses throughout her career. She is past President of the Estate Planning Council of New York City, past Chair of the Estate Planning Committee of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and is an Accredited Estate Planner designee™ awarded by the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils. Ruth received her undergraduate degree in Accounting from the University of Scranton and her Law Degree from Temple University School of Law. She and her husband Brian live in Westfield, NJ. She and Brian have three college-aged daughters – Brigid, Megan, and Erin.  In this episode you will learn the following: The importance of building relationships with attorneys and accountants for financial advisors to effectively incorporate estate and tax planning into their practices.The critical role that financial advisors play in educating clients about estate planning without crossing into legal advice.Innovative strategies, such as leveraging Roth conversions not just for tax benefits, but also for strategic financial planning, such as funding life insurance policies.The unique dynamics of female advisor conferences and the importance of fostering intimate, supportive environments for women in the financial industry. Ruth shares insights into how these settings can encourage authenticity and collaboration, ultimately supporting the growth and success of female financial advisors. Connect with Scott on LinkedInConnect with Ruth on LinkedInFor more on The Optimized Advisor Podcast click here  For more on APEG click hereFollow us on LinkedIn  **This is the Optimized Advisor Podcast, where we focus on optimizing the wellbeing and best practices of insurance and financial professionals. Our objective is to help you optimize your life, optimize your profession, and learn from other optimized advisors. If you have questions or would like to be a featured guest, email us at optimizedadvisor@optimizedins.com Optimized Insurance Planning

Send us a textChurch and Family Councils (part 2/2)         In part two of our discussion on church and family councils, we continue the conversation by diving deeper into why these councils matter and how they can powerfully bless individuals, families, and congregations. We reflect on the spiritual purposes behind councils—how they unite hearts, invite revelation, and ensure no one is overlooked. Whether it's a ward council, elders quorum presidency, or a simple family council around the dinner table, these gatherings provide a sacred opportunity for inspired collaboration and ministering. We'll also explore common obstacles to effective councils and how to overcome them through humility, preparation, and listening to the Spirit. This episode reinforces the truth that revelation is more often found in council than in isolation.Support the Show!  Become a "Patron Saint"!www.patreon.com/SaintsintheSouthSupport the show

Send us a textIn Acts 15:1-35, we can learn from how the early church dealt with the issue of circumcision being forced upon the gentiles. We can see that even from the beginning, it was always God's plan that we would be saved not by works and tradition but by only by faith.We also would like to invite anyone who lives in the Philadelphia area to worship and study God's word with us at our in-person meeting that takes place every-other Monday night at 7:30pm. Visit phillyyoungadults.com for additional information about our ministry.Feel free to message us on instagram (@phillyyoungadultscc) with any feedback, questions, or topics you want to hear about on the podcast or you can shoot an email to ya@ccphilly.org